Morrill’s Own ‘Urban Legend’?

11/8/2002
Was Dwight D. Eisenhower an Honorary Member?

It is widely known, and verified by eyewitness accounts, that Milton S. Eisenhower, 11th president of the university, was initiated into the Morrill Chapter of Alpha Zeta in 1951. However, it is further believed by many respected members of the chapter that 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-61), brother to Milton, was also initiated as a brother of the chapter several decades ago.

There are a few versions of this story, but one of them runs like this: Former President Dwight Eisenhower flew from his Gettysburg farm to State College in a private plane. He was met and driven to the house by his wartime military driver. President Eisenhower spent the day at the house, talked with each member, was initiated into membership, and then flew back to Gettysburg without the public ever becoming aware of his visit until after his departure.

With such a detailed account, it’s hard to believe that the event may not have taken place. However, some equally well-respected members of the chapter who were active around that time reported no knowledge of it. As hard as it is to believe that the event may not have occurred, it is also hard to believe that it may have occurred without every member of the chapter being well informed of it.

What we know for sure:

o Milton S. Eisenhower, brother of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, was the president of the university from 1950 to 1956. He was initiated into the chapter in 1951 in a ceremony at the house attended by many onlookers. Eyewitness accounts verify this.

o In June 1955, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower visited Penn State and delivered the commencement address to the graduating class. (See the history of Penn State on the Web, at www.psu.edu/ur/about/history.html.)

Was Dwight D. Eisenhower initiated during his trip to Penn State in 1955, or did it occur secretly some other time? Are folks getting brothers Dwight and Milton confused, since they were both known as “President Eisenhower”?

What do you think? Fact or fiction?

We would like to extend our gratitude to brothers Neil Gingrich, Charlie Rutschky and Howard J. Merrill for their help in putting this article together.